Watsonians

🏃‍♂️ What an amazing few days of welcoming Watsonians back to School to support Watson's sport!

Bera Ajala (Class of 2020) and Davy Zyw (Class of 2005) to see their new boards in our Sporting Hall of Fame.

Stephen Blane (Class of 1987), to spot his name engraved on trophies he won 40 years ago having last seen them when he took them home for the year (back when that was still allowed!).

Our Watsonians spectating at sports day, including Jeff Burton (Class of 1956), whose Cockburn Greyfriars t-shirt and wholehearted support for his old house were truly inspirational.

And finally, Peter Burgess (Class of 1965) who presented his inaugural Dux Ludorum Medal for Outstanding Sporting Performance to Kishi Aremu (Class of 2026). Many congratulations to Kishi on this fantastic achievement!

✨ One of Scotland's best-loved comedians returns to the Edinburgh Fringe this summer ✨

Join BAFTA award-winning comedian, writer and actor Jack Docherty (Class of 1980) for two fantastic Fringe events celebrating a career that has entertained audiences for more than four decades.

🦋 Butterfly
A brand-new hour of sharp, funny and deeply personal storytelling from the star of Absolutely, The Chief and Scot Squad.
📅 6-29 August
📍14 Gilded Balloon Teviot - Dining Room
🎟️ https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jack-docherty-butterfly

😂 Scottish Comedy Legends: Jack Docherty
An entertaining look back at Jack's remarkable career, from Spitting Image and The Lenny Henry Show to some of Scotland's most-loved comedy programmes.
📅 28 August
📍12 The Stand Comedy Club 3 & 4 - Stand 3
🎟️ https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/scottish-comedy-legends-jack-docherty

Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering his work for the first time, these shows promise laughter, insight and brilliant storytelling at the heart of the Fringe.

✨ Afternoon piano solo concert with Susan Tomes (Class of 1972) ✨

Join us at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Palmerston Place, for a new series of intimate afternoon piano recitals at 3.30pm during the Edinburgh Fringe where acclaimed pianist and writer Susan Tomes will perform a special solo recital.

🎶 Piano Afternoons: Susan Tomes plays Nocturnes
📅 Tuesday 18 August
⏰ 3:30pm
🎟️ https://www.cathedral.net/event-details-registration/piano-afternoons-susan-tomes-plays-nocturnes-2026-08-18-15-30

Susan’s programme explores Nocturnes and other kinds of night music, inspired by her recent writing on the subject, offering a beautifully atmospheric hour of music in the Cathedral’s unique acoustic.

These concerts last one hour and are free to attend, with donations warmly welcomed in support of the Cathedral.

A perfect way to experience world-class piano performance in the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe.

✨ Back together at Watson’s ✨

There’s something special about returning to where it all began, catching up with old friends, sharing memories, and seeing how much (and how little!) has changed.

We’re looking forward to welcoming Classes of the 40s, 50s, year groups ending in a 1 or 6 and former staff back for this year’s Reunion. With over 100 already signed up, the room is starting to fill… but there’s still plenty of space to join us!

📍 George Watson’s College, Colinton Road
📅 Saturday 26 September
⏰ 11am archive displays & optional school tours; 12.30pm for lunch
💷 £47pp
👉 Book your place here: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GGLN

The day will include:
• Welcome drink
• Old photos, magazines, year books and archive items from your year group, including a dedicated GWLC display
• Optional school tour
• Two course lunch in your year groups, inc a glass of wine and tea/coffee

📩 Not seen any emails on Reunions? Check your junk mail or if you've previously unsubscribed, email [email protected] to opt back in to emails.

If you’ve been thinking about coming back, this is your sign. We’d love to see you there. 🌸

🎻 Watsonian String Ensemble Concert 🎻

Join us on Thursday 25 June at 7.45pm in the Music School Auditorium for a sharing concert by our newly formed Watsonian String Ensemble. After a successful 10-week pilot, our group of 20+ players are excited to showcase their progress with Handel's Concerto Grosso in A Minor op. 6 no. 4 and Elgar's Serenade for Strings in E Minor op. 20.

We would love to see members of the Watsonian community there to support our talented musicians 👏 Please register here: https://shorturl.at/36HbY

✨ Exceptional physical theatre at the Edinburgh International Festival this summer, featuring Samuel Pashby (Class of 2010)✨

Samuel performs in 'When Prophecy Fails', a bold new work from award-winning ensemble Groupwork, presented as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.

Step into a world of apocalyptic visions, clandestine observers, and the followers of a suburban housewife in this striking piece of physical theatre. Inspired by a 1954 study on “cognitive dissonance,” the production reimagines the extraordinary true story of a UFO doomsday cult and the crisis that unfolds when belief collides with reality.

🎭 When Prophecy Fails
📍 27-30 Aug, Studio Theatre, 22 Potterrow
🎟️ £30, https://www.eif.co.uk/events/when-prophecy-fails
🔗 https://www.groupworktheatre.com/when-prophecy-fails

We’re delighted to see Watsonians represented on the international stage so support Samuel if you can!

🏆 Scottish Cup Champions! 🏆

Congratulations to the Watsonian Squash Club, who were crowned 2026 Men's Scottish Cup winners on Saturday 6 June after defeating Edinburgh Sports Club in the final.

The victory secures qualification for the European Club Championships in Nuremberg, Germany, this September – a fantastic achievement for our club. Pictured from left to right are Richard McIntosh (Class of 1989), Andrew Glen, John Meehan, Thomas Clark (Class of 2021), Martin Ross and Paul Macari (Class of 1987).

There was further success for the club as the women's team also enjoyed an excellent run, reaching the semi-finals of the competition. Congratulations to everyone involved and best of luck in Europe!

✨ Back together at Watson’s ✨

There’s something special about returning to where it all began, catching up with old friends, sharing memories, and seeing how much (and how little!) has changed.

We’re looking forward to welcoming Classes of the 40s, 50s, year groups ending in a 1 or 6 and former staff back for this year’s Reunion. With over 100 already signed up, the room is starting to fill… but there’s still plenty of space to join us!

📍 George Watson’s College, Colinton Road
📅 Saturday 26 September
⏰ 11am archive displays & optional school tours; 12.30pm for lunch
💷 £47pp
👉 Book your place here: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GGLN

The day will include:
• Welcome drink
• Old photos, magazines, year books and archive items from your year group, including a dedicated GWLC display
• Optional school tour
• Two course lunch in your year groups, inc a glass of wine and tea/coffee

📩 Email reminders have been sent out today. Didn't receive it? Please check your junk folder or if you've previously unsubscribed, email [email protected] to opt back in to emails.

If you’ve been thinking about coming back, this is your sign. We’d love to see you there. 🌸

✨ Exceptional musical artistry returns to the Edinburgh Fringe this summer with Brian Bannatyne-Scott ✨

Join Brian Bannatyne-Scott at New Town Church on George Street for two outstanding lunchtime concerts featuring internationally renowned singers and a rich programme of vocal music.

🎶 Scottish Lieder
📅 Monday 10 August
⏰ 2:30pm
🎟️ https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/scottish-lieder-with-brian-bannatyne-scott-jamie-macdougall-and-susan-hamilton

🎭 Arias in the Afternoon
📅 Friday 14 August
⏰ 2:30pm
🎟️ https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/afternoon-arias

Set in the beautiful Georgian surroundings of New Town Church, these concerts offer a wonderful opportunity to experience world-class performance at the heart of the Fringe.

Tickets available online, via the Fringe Box Office, and at the door.